A ballet troupe touring Ontario with their production of “The Nutcracker” faced a setback when their moving truck, containing invaluable sets and backdrops, was stolen. Ballet Jörgen’s general manager, Stephen Word, urged the public to report any sightings of the stolen Penske truck with license plate CD50229 to the authorities. The white 2026 Penske truck, measuring approximately 26 feet, was taken from its parked location in Etobicoke around 3:30 a.m.
The missing truck, equipped with a GPS tracker that ceased functioning in Mississauga, holds essential elements crucial to the success of the holiday tour. Despite the theft, the ballet company remains committed to their scheduled performances across Ontario from Burlington to Orillia to Ottawa.
While the costumes and props remain untouched, the artistic director, Bengt Jörgen, highlighted the challenges of replacing the stolen backdrops, some of which are replicas of Group of Seven paintings. These iconic replicas, towering at about eight meters tall and 12 meters wide, play a significant role in enchanting audiences, especially children.
Dancer Adrian Ramirez Juarez emphasized the importance of the sets in conveying the story and setting the ambiance for the production. Fellow dancer Akari Fujiwara expressed shock over the theft, noting the integral role of set pieces in enhancing the visual appeal of the show. Despite the setback, Jörgen reassured that the dancers are resilient and prepared to deliver outstanding performances.
The ballet company’s determination to continue entertaining audiences with their rendition of “The Nutcracker” showcases their dedication to the arts and the community.